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God's greatest gifts as I go…

sacred

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – (Isaiah 9:6, NLT)

This is the night where the world takes pause to remember the most sacred occasion where heaven came to earth in the form of a baby boy. Born in a stable, not fit for the Savior of the world, yet God gave incredible assurance that this was indeed the way Mary and Joseph were meant to walk as they brought this blessed bundle forth in a stable surrounded by animals. Angelic visitations had announced that He would be born, heavenly hosts proclaimed His arrival – flooding the night sky over the heads of shepherds as they watched their flocks by night, and a bright star shone on His behalf to lead the way for those who were meant to find Him. Though not necessarily the beginning we might envision for the One who saves the world from sin and shame, Jesus’ arrival changed everything. Because He came, grew, walked in obedience, willingly laid down His life in our place, rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father, we have way to be restored to right relationship with God. May we stop the activity on this day long enough to really recognize the significance of this most holy night that we celebrate. Jesus is the gift, and the reason we can give. Our Counselor, our God, our Father, and our Peace – these are the reasons we have light and life and love. Joy to the world, the Savior has come!

For a child was born,

A Son was given;

The weight of the world,

He has forgiven.

The great Counselor,

Most mighty our God;

The Father who lasts,

Let our hearts applaud.

For He is our peace,

Born so we might live;

May we honor Him,

Through gifts that we give.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your only Son into the world so that we might be restored to right relationship with You. Thank You that You love us so much that You willingly laid down Your life for ours. Forgive us for not having our priorities in place and for forgetting the real reason for this most sacred season. Teach us to fix our eyes and hearts on You, so that all that we do is a reflection of You. Show us how to love and give as You do, so that our words and deeds are Your heart being made known to those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as so many take the time to gather with family and friends to celebrate. Let Christ be lifted high this Christmas. Amen.

O Lord, let Your loving-kindness be upon us as we put our hope in You. – (Psalm 33:22, NLV)

As we fix our eyes on the reason for this most sacred season, may we slow down and allow our hearts to hold the loving-kindness of Christ to surround us as we place our hope in Him. No matter if this is a season of struggle or that of blessing, the Lord is near and longs to lavish us with His love. He is gentle and kind, and will never force His way in. Instead, He waits for our invitation to draw near. May we call on the Lord and His unfailing love, to surround us and fill us with His hope.

Look unto the Lord,

He’s loving and kind;

Our Source of all hope,

Most Holy Divine.

His unfailing love,

Will fill and surround;

As we choose to trust,

The lost become found.

Seek ye our Savior,

Let His hope be yours;

May love overwhelm,

It’s where we’re restored.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You surround us with Your unfailing love as we place our hope in You. Forgive us for trusting in anything other than You, or for not holding firm to the hope that we know in You when storms surround us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will trust You in all things at all times, no matter what lies before us. Show us how to love those around us with Your unfailing love, so that others too may come to know the hope that is held in You. May many choose to invest their lives and hearts into lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place all of our hope in You and receive the overwhelming love that You lavish upon us. Amen.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – (2 Corinthians 4:16)

We are called to keep our faith, despite how things appear. Though our circumstances or the outward appearance may be grim, Christ is moving, strengthening, and fighting on our behalf. On this sacred Saturday, when so many years ago the world stood in silence, likely having lost hope and heart when all their dreams seemed to have been dashed, our precious Savior had hung upon the cross and was carried to the tomb. What no one could see was the work beyond the grave. The plan was already in place. Despite all seeming silence, life would soon burst forth from that very tomb. In one more day, what had been seemingly lost, would be realized in a way far more powerful than any of the disciples had ever imagined.

Each of us has the very same power at work in us, right now. Regardless of our external circumstances, Christ within, is renewing, strengthening, and preparing us for all that is yet to come. We need not lose heart, for He is at work and His plans for us our good. May we rise up and be ready for the life He is preparing to bring forth, as we trust in Him.

Therefore, lose not heart,

dear one, don’t dismay;

despite how all looks,

the Lord makes a way.

He renews with strength,

to press on each day;

refreshes weary,

beside us He’ll stay.

Even when trials,

cause wasting away;

His power’s perfect,

enough for each day.

Keep looking to Christ,

the truth and the way;

His peace and presence,

made known as we pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not lose heart when outward appearances seem grim. Thank You that You strengthen and renew us daily, and You provide what is needed for each new day. Forgive us for our lack of perseverance when things get difficult or our lack of trust when we cannot see a possible solution in sight. Teach us to trust You for our every need, and help us to know Your provision and renewing in tangible way. Lead us to love others without reservation, just as You so lavishly love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified as we keep heart and trust in Your renewal and provision daily. Amen.

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – (Nehemiah 8:9-10)

Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. – (Nehemiah 8:12)

When the people heard God’s word and recognized just how far they had fallen from His will, they wept. God saw their sincerity and rather than smite them, He called for celebration. His people who had wandered and lost their way, were now found and on the road to restoration. God’s heart was for them to go out and share their abundance with those who had none, so that all could partake in celebrating His goodness and grace. There is great joy that He brings, when we choose to celebrate and honor our Holy King. May we come before Him with repentant hearts, grateful for His mercy and grace, celebrating what a glorious and good God we serve!

Each day is sacred,

a gift from our King;

may we give glory,

our whole offering.

Let’s set our hearts right,

repentantly seek;

our Heavenly Lord,

Who strengthens the weak.

Give glory to Him,

celebrate with joy;

all His righteousness,

free gifts to employ.

He makes His word known,

allows our hearts hear;

the truth of His love,

as He holds us near.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You open our understanding and forgive us as we come to You with repentant hearts. Thank You that You do not want us to dwell on our past mistakes, but rather You invite us to celebrate Your goodness and grace, and share of all that You have done with those around us. Forgive us for dwelling on our errors and not embracing the grace that You freely give so that we can then go forth and share of Your goodness and grace with those around us. Teach us to trust You more so that we will turn away from all unrighteousness, and seek to serve You alone. May we love others as You so generously love each of us. Let those who are looking, find a forever faith in You. Be glorified, Lord God, as we go forth giving thanks for Your grace. Amen.

We are in the middle of a series called “Surprised by Hope“ at the church I call home. Yesterday’s message was centered around “The Death of Jesus”, as we remember what went on during this sacred week so many years ago. The consequence of sin is death, and we are powerless to escape the hold of sin, unless God breaks in and rescues us from ourselves. In order for Him to do so, He requires a faith response on our part.

Jesus made His entry during the Passover celebration. This celebration is ultimately a remembrance of God’s faithfulness to the people’s obedience. God told the people that He would bring judgment on every household, unless a lamb was sacrificed and the blood marked on the doorposts. Though it likely made little sense, the people chose obedience to protect their precious families. As a result of their obedience, the angel of death passed over their homes, and they were all safe, while those who had not obeyed, were in the midst of great mourning. God delivered them because He loved them.

Christ’s sacrifice was an act of obedience. Because Jesus knew no sin, He could take on our sin and bear all of our burdens so that we could come to know redemption. Jesus knew what He would have to endure on our behalf, yet He was willing anyway.

What God asks of us does not always make sense, but He wants our heart, our will, our faith to trust Him, even if what He asks is not what we would expect. “…To obey is better than sacrifice…” (I Samuel 15:22b)

The consequence,

of sin is death;

without the Lord,

we’re powerless.

As we seek Him,

surrender all;

He’ll hear our heart,

and heed our call.

Prepare to do,

all that He asks;

regardless of,

the bizarre tasks.

For what He wants,

is our whole heart;

obedient,

each precious part.

So seek the Lord,

follow His ways;

redemption ours,

now and always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son and making the way for us to be considered righteous before You. Thank You Jesus, for enduring the weight and suffering that should have been mine to bear. Thank You for redeeming us from our former ways, and granting us new life in You. Forgive us for thinking that we have to sacrifice enough or do enough to earn Your favor, and help us to receive that which You freely give. May we embrace the grace that You grant us, and respond in faith to whatever You ask. Lead us to live confidently as Your redeemed children. Let us love others as You love us, and may many come to know the blessed deliverance that comes from You alone. Be glorified, Lord God. Amen.

Yesterday, as we continued our series, Into the Wild, the title of the day’s message was Radical Obedience. The message was based on Genesis 17, as God continued to ask Abraham to step out in obedience, in order to walk blamelessly before Him. As the story unfolds, three key points were conveyed.

1. Obedience isn’t a suggestion, it is an expectation. God Almighty expects us to live blamelessly in obedience to Him. We ought to obey because He is worthy. What He asks of us is not to restrain us, but rather to free us into what will be. (As He knows the ultimate outcome of all things.)

2. Obedience requires sacrifice. There is always a personal cost to do what God asks of us, yet His return, is far greater than any price we may initially invest. Abraham had to give up comfort and endure pain, yet He entered into a covenant that was sacred between he and God, that was to last for many generations to come. To be considered God’s chosen people, was well worth the temporary pain.

3. The outcome of obedience is a change in our hearts, not just in our actions.(see Hosea 6:6) When we obey for the sake of stuff instead of for our heart, it’s religion. When we obey to change our heart, it is relationship with our Redeemer.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us into radical obedience unto You. Thank You that You do not just want part of us, but rather, You want all of us – heart, soul, strength and mind. Thank You that as we choose to sacrifice our own selfishness, the return in You, is far greater. Forgive us for our disobedience, or for obeying in hope of getting stuff. Help our hearts hold You in the proper place, so that our motivation is Your worthiness, and our desire to know and honor You. May we grow deeper roots in our relationship with You. Let us live and love as You love us, so that many may come to know the saving grace that You so generously give to all who call on Your Name. Be glorified through every act of obedience. Amen.